What molecule am I?
Azelastine hydrochloride (HCl) is an antihistamine administered in aqueous solution as a nasal spray. It exhibits histamine H1 receptor antagonist activity and is used as a racemic mixture. No difference in pharmacologic activity between its enantiomers has been observed.
Azelastine HCl is used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis (e.g., hay fever) and perennial rhinitis (including runny nose, sneezing, and nasal itching). It is also used in eyedrops to treat allergic conjunctivitis. It is considered to be a very safe drug with no serious side effects.
Azelastine HCl has been known since 1980, but its first US Food and Drug Administration approval for use as a nasal spray was awarded to Meda Pharmaceuticals (Somerset, NJ) under the brand name Astepro in 2008. Since its first registration, the drug has been sold under many brand names and is now generic.
Azelastine hydrochloride hazard information
| GHS classification*: acute toxicity, oral, category 4 | |
| H302—Harmful if swallowed |  |
*Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Explanation of pictograms.
Azelastine hydrochloride fast facts
| CAS Reg. No. | 79307-93-0 |
| Empirical formula | C22H24ClN3O∙HCl |
| Molar mass | 418.36 |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Melting point | 225–229 ºC |
| Water solubility | 35 mg/L |
Learn more about this molecule from CAS, the most authoritative and comprehensive source for chemical information.
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